POLITICAL POWER PLAY? WANJIGI POSTS BAIL FOR NATEMBEYA

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya walked free on Monday evening after billionaire businessman Jimi Wanjigi secured his Sh500,000 cash bail in a high-stakes graft case that has rocked the county’s leadership.

Natembeya, who faces three counts of corruption — including the acquisition of public property through a conflict of interest — appeared before Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Thomas Ondieki, who granted him bond terms of Sh1 million or an alternative of Sh500,000 cash bail.
Wanjigi’s unexpected move to bail out the embattled governor has raised eyebrows and sparked political speculation, with analysts questioning the deepening ties between the two public figures.

As part of his bail conditions, Governor Natembeya has been barred from accessing his county office for 60 days. He is also restricted from leaving the country without prior court approval and is forbidden from making public comments about the ongoing case.

“Any breach of the conditions shall attract attendant consequences, including cancellation of bond or bail,” Magistrate Ondieki cautioned in his ruling.

The prosecution had strongly opposed Natembeya’s release, citing the serious nature of the charges and potential interference with witnesses. However, his legal team, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, insisted the arrest was politically motivated and that bail was a constitutional right.

Governor Natembeya will now fight to clear his name while under close watch, as investigators continue probing alleged misuse of public funds within the Trans Nzoia County government.